CT Post reporter Keila Torres Ocasio’s Sunday article provides an intriguing glimpse into a possible Democratic primary matchup in September. If former Mayor Joe Ganim isn’t getting into the race he’s doing a pretty good imitation. And the forces of Mayor Bill Finch are loading up the campaign warchest for a showdown with Ganim if he gets in. The Democratic primary could look like this: Finch, Ganim, former Finch administration official John Gomes, co-founder of the Bridgeport Bluefish Mary-Jane Foster and multi-mayoral candidate Charlie Coviello.
(Before you ask me about me, here’s my answer: I stuck my head in the woodchipper once. Ain’t doing that again.)
So, let’s have a little fun. If the following candidates appeared on the ballot whom would you support?
Bill Finch
Joe Ganim
Mary-Jane Foster
John Gomes
Charlie Coviello
If you missed Keila’s article see here>
Having observed from up close and a long way away for close to 40 years at Bridgeport’s continual slide into the abyss…. it amazes me that no one has been able to be a truly effective leader in the city. It has NEVER gotten better here – it continues to get worse and worse. How can you attract any businesses to the city? It’s a virtual ghost town after 5 except a few isolated pockets. The 2 beautiful theaters on lower main street have been empty ratholes for 40 years!! The main shopping drag is boarded up downtown – it’s like a post-nuclear backdrop from a movie set. The fact that the entire area below 95 where “steel point” will be built (yeh right) has sat vacant for 10 + years is a visual daily eyesore to the residents and passerby’s alike. Bridgeport needs a Rudy Guliani type that can rip it a new one and make things happen. Finch was a laugh and a half. The same goes for Fabrizzi (drug addict) Ganim (thieving lawyer) and all the predecessors before them. Surrounded by comeback cities (Stamford, Norwalk, Waterbury, New Haven) Bridgeport stands alone as the ugly duckling…unable to move forward without having any chance of progress unless the slime gangsters that run the city get their grease.
Hey Billy its gonna be great to see you on the unemployment line soon..! You have been one of if not the WORST Mayor Bridgeport has ever had….just how is it you can even sleep at night….? You do have a set of balls though even running for re-election i will give you that. Do us a favor and just resign.
I will vote for John Gomes since it appears to be sincere and have come a long away in this country.
Bridgeport does have an Economic development Director. I am not certain what he has done for the city or what he has done to help market Bridgeport. I do know that there are some very talented people working there. Michael Nidoh and Edward Lavernoich. They would be my choice of go to people in city hall. Chris Caruso has a job with the state. He deserves it but Bridgeport looses a real Talent. I remember Charlie Coviello used to be in Real Estate 20 years ago and certain he cares about the city. BTW RICO– Harborpopinte is no longer a Bridgeport project. It is currently a very successful project underway in Stamford. Bridgeport’s dream project is called Steeleponte and I am hopeful!
Maybe the city could use a few more store front churches to fill empty space. Does Bridgeport even have an Economic Development dept.? Maybe if the Mayor could get an Economic Development Manager something would happen in the city. Even if the job paid nothing- Maybe a volunteer? I am however , Very excited about Harborpointe. That was Lenny Paoletta. Now that was a man that was a class act. I remember him saying all he wanted to see were construction equipment building Harborpoite. That was almost 25 years ago. Ms. Foster seems to have a desire to turn the city around. I have never heard of John Gomes and I know that I have read interesting things from Steven Auerbach but didn’t think he was a contender for Mayor. What happened to Chris Caruso? I thought he cared a great deal about he city. Ganim and Fabrizi-Please give us a break!!! I have nevr left a comment before but it seems like now would be the time to voice an opinion. I believe Bridgeport has a lot at stake right now. The next Mayor may actually see some exciting stuff. Who is this Charlie Coviello?
I wonder if the reason Finch is getting so much coverage in the CT Post has anything to do with the fact that his $82,000 “publicist” used to be a big wheel at the POST?
OK it could be between Mary jane Foster and Steven Auerbach. They both seem to have something to say and its nice that they do not seem to be overly Critical of the current Mayor- OTB One Term Bill as they call him in City Hall.It would be interested in hearing more of what they have to say in Print. It seems like the Connecticut Post is only covering the “bird Man” and nothing about Gomes, although he is prob ably running on a sour grapes issue. I like Auerbachs Take on Steele Pointe and the old downtown theaters and was appalled that the Connecticut post would support tearing them down as though they were in the way of any development . Maybe if they were refurbished then the Cititrust and Bijou square property would be rented out.How many times is Newton going to threaten the city with his rising fromm the ashes like a phoenix with his pal Ganim.? Can we move forward please?If not Auerbach, Foster or Gomes what about Caruso. Could he really be happy playing a minor role in The city’s future? Well if we can not be a two party city, at least we can have a few good choices in the democtratic party, and they do seem like interesting choices.This could be the year that an endorcemnt from the democratic town commitee could be the Kiss of death. I am curious as to whom John Stastrom will support? VERY INTERESTING!
Ernie, I spell your name correctly, please have the same courtesy. Auerbach. Auerbach Post. Steven Auerbach . Am I clear? If the people are speaking loud and clear they are keeping silent.I’d welcome you and Joe running for office again. I can not wait. Really. You want to hear the people speak loud and clear? Do it . You and Joe -I can not wait.
Hey Auerback! only time will tell One thing for sure the PEOPLE will SPEAK LOUD AND CLEAR! NEWTON’s BACK!
LOLOLOL SEE YOU AT THE POLLS HANDING OUT LITERATURE FOR THE LOOSING CANDIDATE. DO YOU REALLY BELIEVE YOUR CONSTITUENTS ARE REALLY THAT IGNORANT. WHY ARE YOU HITCHING YOUR DREAMS ON JOE GANIM???HASN’T HE BEEN HUMILIATED ENOUGH? LOOK WE ALREADY HAVE A BLACK PRESIDENT SO ITS NOT LIKE YOU CAN EVER PLAY THE RACE CARD WITH YOUR CONSTITUENTS. LET NEW LEADERSHIP COME AND HELP YOUR DISTRICT THAT IS STARVING FOR MONETARY INFUSION FROM THE STATE THAT YOU HAVE FAILED TO DELIVER AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT THAT WILL NOT HAPPEN CAUSE YOU ALWAYS HAVE YOUR HAND OUT. DO YOU HAVE THE MONEY TO PAY FOR THE VOTES ON THE STREET AND MOTIVATE “YOUR SUPPORTERS ” TO GO TO THE POLLS? HAVE YOU CONSIDERED ANOTHER CITY OR STATE? MAYBE YOU AND JOE COULD OPEN A FRANCHISE OR SOMETHING? MAYBE YOU COULD ACTUALLY BECOME VOLUNTEER FOR SOME WORTHWHILE INSTITUTION AND DO SOMETHING THAT IS NOT SELF SERVING..WE ARE NOT YOUR HATERS WE JUST LOVE BRIDGEPORT AND HAVE NO MORE USE FOR YOUR POLITICS. YOU HAVE BECOME OBSOLETE. I JUST CAN NOT WAIT TO SEE WHICH POLITICIAN THAT IS WILLING TO COMMIT POLITICAL SUICIDE PUTTING YOU ANYWHERE IN ANY ADMINISTRATION.
Only time will tell! My haters are my motivaters.If Joe and i dont stand a chance. you should not worry about what we do.We have a right to run for what every office we choose.and i know you do not speak for the people. Once again i’ll see you at the polls.
Ernie stop ranting. Then partnership of Ganim and Newton is never gonna see the light of day in Bridgeport. If either of you had common sense and respect for your families you would have moved out of the area. You are an embarrassment to the city of Bridgeport. Imagine yourself as a rap star that has been on top and then had one dude after another. You are done move on. The younger voters wouldn’t give you or Joe the time of day ….
I’ll be back! and its nothing you can do about that! The Voter’s will speak loud and clear!Im Not Arrogance and i will never let anyone tell me what i can do or can’t do!
If arrogance were gold,Ernie would be richer than Bill Gates,Warren Buffet,and Steve Jobs combined!
Ernie, Please do your constituents a favor as well as the entire City of Bridgeport. Move on to a better life. You came you saw and you failed. You failed your neighborhood by bringing a lack of Money to improve the quality of life for the east end. Your image has been tarnished and although everyone deserves a second chance they do not deserve to be a steward of the people again. Most convicted individuals can’t get a job stocking shelves at a supermarket and you want to be responsible again for failing the City. You and Joe Ganim need to sit back and realize that you did get a second chance. Do we really all need to relieve your criminal activies over and over again ?
Have respect for other leaders that can bring Money and prosperity to the East end. You have been there for so long and you acomplishments have been minimal. The respect in Hartford would not be there and you need to follow a new path. Good luck to you and your family. Time to move into the private sector and not into any public service job where you will again be tempted to fail your people.
If Ganmin runs Hell win!
We’ll let the Voter’s decide Our future!
Wow that was a tyhought provking essay . Auerbach Post seems to have some knowledge of whats going on in the city and cvlear insight to a SUCCESSFUL future in Bridgeport. Tell us more. Are you also running for Mayor? I think Mr.Finch will be remembered for his 600 dollar rebate we were promised before he took office that we never received.In the North end we are interested in more of what Auerbach Post has to say as well as Maryjane Foster and John Gomes. We may be a one party town but at least the democrats have 3 very intelligent candidates running. If Ganim and Newton had the audacity to run for any office in the City again than the people deserve what they get . The people may think they are electable but the respect they would be receiving outside of Bridgeport would be a JOKE…..There will never be enough money on the Streets to re-elect these two thieves to office– get a real job –move on-
” The question is who will lead us into the future, reduce the taxes and create a quality of life for the working middle class and create the incentive to want to live here, work here and play here”
Very good thought provoking question…. I think it’s safe to say that “It aint Finch”. No matter what he does, he’s not capable of leading a city to victory at this present moment.
The City Of Bridgeport, Connecticut, has so much potential. With the right leadership, an individual with vision, charisma and the ability to excite developers, Bridgeport has the ability to outshine its major competitors Norwalk and Stamford, Connecticut. All three urban centers are located in Fairfield county, the wealthiest county in the United States.
During the best of times, while Norwalk and Stamford have been focused on economic development, Bridgeport was content to be the dumping ground of all social ills, leaving the burden of support on the taxpayers of the city while businesses were quick to relocate. While Stamford proceeds full speed ahead with its Harborpointe development (ironically a name once used by Bridgeport’s project now known as Steelepointe), Bridgeport still has dreams of getting that first shovel in the ground to start the touted 1 billion dollar project, Steelepointe.
While time moves on as it stops for no one, Bridgeport still hopes to become a major destination. Mayors and business leadership continue to pat themselves on the back as though the project, expected to take 20 years to complete, has already been started. Not even a simple investment of a billboard touting the biggest development the city of Bridgeport has ever known. Perhaps the most important element in making Bridgeport’s dream of Steelepointe a reality is an improvement of colossal proportions to the education in the Bridgeport Public Schools. Improved schools will be an incentive for young families to move here. Now it just becomes another burden on the overtaxed resident to send their children to a private school to get the education that they need to succeed in life.
The arts and entertainment are yet another key component to attract developers. The long vacant Poli Majestic theaters in the downtown area remain a constant memory to what Bridgeport’s glorious past used to be. In the past 40 years there have been hundreds of thousands of dollars spent on study after study to see if it was viable to rehabilitate the theaters. So there they stand vacant, dark and dilapidated as one enters a downtown that has been seeing an upswing in development (most notable being the Bijou Square Project).
Last week in Waterbury, Connecticut, a city once seen as inferior to Bridgeport, I was amazed at the exquisite beauty of the Palace Theater. The rehabilitation of the theater was not only a miracle and now a great asset to Waterbury helping spur other projects, but remains a reminder that Bridgeport just seems incapable of seeing a project through to fruition. For any city resident that is curious in taking a tour of the downtown theaters, usually given by Charles Brilivitch (an amazing city historian), they must go see a show at the Waterbury Palace Theater. These two theaters were built by the same architect.
Finally, one must remain optimistic in the future of Bridgeport, the largest city in Connecticut and the wealthiest county in the United States. The question is who will lead us into the future, reduce the taxes and create a quality of life for the working middle class and create the incentive to want to live here, work here and play here.
It is possible to remove the entrenched dysfunction from the governance of our city. Public office is not a birthright, in spite of what some office holders believe.
My husband and I would vote for Mary Jane Foster. Anyone but the status quo. The Democrats have run the city into the ground for years. Their allegiance is to the unions, at the expense of the taxpayers. Our taxes go up so they can keep their benefactors happy.
I haven’t forgotten the deal that was made with DiNardo where he was allowed to buy a 3 million dollar tax lien back from the city for one dollar. We have to make up for what the tax cheats don’t pay. Time for BIG changes in Bridgeport. Of course it will never happen until the people get some guts.
MJF or Gomes
My vote is for Maryjane Foster. Its time for a change. Come meet Maryjane Foster on March 24th at 6 PM at Vazzys on Huntinton Typk
Foster has the brains and balls to run the city.
Mary Jane Foster so far has my vote. Don’t know too much about Gomes and I feel Ganim has what it takes and the experience but violated the terms and conditions of being mayor. Mayor Finch will not even be up for consideration in my book, he has created a disaster.
I LIKE MICKEY MOUSE HE GOT MORE BRAINS THEN ALL Candidates here.
So far,I like what Mary Jane says.She basically called out Finch on all his BS.And as far as I know she has no allegiance to (or is indebted to ,or controlled by)Uncle Mario.Don’t like Finch (still waiting for my $600).Ganim is a convicted criminal.I remember Coviello since the ’70s in Bpt,but the way he was hugging and kissing up to Ernie Newton? He lost my vote.And John Gomes? I have no opinion on him-I really know nothing about him.I suppose the Dems will support Finch,since he will keep the “status quo”,but he needs to go,if this city has any chance of going forward
Lennie, why don’t you give your opinion in this matter? Or are you afraid to lose the input from those “candidates” who have demonstrated either the inability to administer or have shown their true stripes by stealing from the citizens of Bridgeport.
This list, with exception of John Gomes and Mary-Jane Foster, have 3 people who could neither manage Bridgeport nor generate positive revenue to run the city. That they are on a short list shows that the citizens of Bridgeport can expect another 40 years of poor leadership.
Despite his mayoralty that seemed to be a positive force for Bridgeport, Joe Ganim violated his oath of office and the public trust. Bill Finch is surrounded by the most inept bunch of “Keystone Kops”. Charlie Coviello is a wannabe and has the appearance of a homeless person. He has done nothing for Bridgeport in the past 30+ years.